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Technically speaking, WiFi was ‘invented’ in 1997, when the IEEE developed the 802.11 standard. It was three years later, in 2000, when the name ‘Wi-Fi’ was introduced by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Teen use of the internet at school has grown 45% . -
SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) is a set of technical interoperability standards for eLearning content. SCORM is the most widely adopted eLearning standard (by a sizeable margin). According to Software Advice, 62% of organizations use SCORM in their LMS. While SCORM has its limitations, its widespread adoption has driven the uptake of eLearning. After all, it has established itself as a ‘go to’ standard for interoperability, ensuring content reusability across various systems. -
The period from 2000 to 2010 saw significant advancements in educational technology, transforming pedagogy, curriculum design, and student engagement. However, challenges such as digital divides, resistance to change, and the need for teacher training highlighted the importance of thoughtful implementation and support.
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Wikipedia revolutionizes open educational resources. Digital content transformed education by incorporating educational websites, online journals, and multimedia resources with traditional textbooks. This enriched curricula, supported differentiated instruction, and fostered independent research skills. However, it also highlighted the need for teaching digital literacy to evaluate online sources' credibility and the importance of curating information to align with learning objectives. -
Introduction of Moodle, an open-source Learning Management Systems (LMS), enabled structured online course management and collaboration. -
Introduction of Facebook leads to early social learning experiments. Many instructors use social media to communicate directly with their students, or to form forum-style groups for students to communicate with each other, and the method seems to be proving valuable in providing one-on-one attention to student’s questions and concerns. -
Complimenting the Open Education Resource Movement, Google plans to create a universal library by scanning and digitizing almost every book ever written and making them available to the public online. -
YouTube launched, later becoming an educational resource, offering a wide range of instructional videos. -
Interactive whiteboards (IWBs) are increasingly replacing traditional teaching tools, promoting dynamic and visual teaching methods that enhance student participation. They allow teachers to use videos, animations, and interactive quizzes, improving engagement and information retention while supporting diverse learning styles. However, educators face a learning curve for effective integration, and cost is a barrier for some institutions. -
Blackboard and WebCT merge, expanding digital course management. LMS platforms like Blackboard and Moodle are vital for managing course materials, assignments, and assessments, facilitating blended learning and personalized pathways. They enhance communication and track academic progress, but require extensive training and raise concerns about digital equity due to unequal access to technology among students. -
Social media platforms such as FB, YT, and Twitter, encourage collaborative learning, peer feedback, and informal knowledge sharing, helping educators create online communities and extend learning beyond the classroom. Curricula now include digital citizenship and media literacy, enhancing engagement, communication, and global collaboration. However, challenges such as privacy concerns, distractions, and the need for usage guidelines persist. -
DreamBox Learning is founded with the vision of providing personalized and adaptive learning experiences for students in elementary mathematics. -
Google Apps for Education (G Suites) launched
G Suite is comprised of Gmail, Hangouts, Calendar, and Google+ for communication; Drive for storage; Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, and Sites for collaboration. Teachers begin exploring the potential of these resources in the classroom. -
iPod Touch introduced a portable, affordable, and versatile tool for learning. -
The rise of mobile devices, such as PDAs and early smartphones, led to the emergence of mobile learning, enabling students to access educational materials anytime and anywhere. This approach provided flexibility and supported continuous learning outside the classroom. However, challenges included the need for universally compatible content across diverse devices and concerns regarding screen time and potential distractions arose. -
MOOCs promote self-directed learning and global collaboration, encouraging open pedagogy where students create and share knowledge. Curricula now utilize free, openly licensed materials, reducing reliance on traditional textbooks and increasing access to education and lifelong learning. However, challenges persist in ensuring the quality of open resources and maintaining student motivation in self-paced environments. -
Knewton is an adaptive learning technology provider with a mission to bring personalized education to the world. -
Khan Academy debuts, pioneering video-based learning. The flipped classroom approach gained popularity as educators assigned lecture materials for homework, often via videos, and utilized class time for interactive activities. This model fostered active learning, boosted student engagement, and enabled personalized instruction. However, creating quality pre-class materials required considerable effort, and not all students had access to the necessary technology at home. -
iPad release transforms mobile learning possibilities. -
Udemy is a platform that allows instructors to build online courses on their preferred topics. -
The 2010-2020 decade witnessed transformative technological shifts in education, each offering unique benefits in enhancing learning experiences. However, these advancements also presented challenges that necessitated careful consideration and adaptation by educators and institutions to ensure effective and equitable implementation.
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Cloud-based platforms like Office 365 enhance collaboration between students and teachers by enabling real-time project work and immediate feedback, fostering interactive learning. Curricula now emphasize digital literacy and collaboration skills, making resources more accessible and supporting blended learning. However, challenges persist, particularly unequal access to reliable internet and devices in underserved communities. -
MOOCs emerge with Coursera and edX platforms offering free online university courses increasing accessibility to higher education. -
Tin Can API version 1.0.0 was launched in April 2013. It was officially renamed Experience API (xAPI) later that same year. This modern standard can capture a wider range of learning activities than SCORM, including informal learning, simulations, and real-world experiences. While xAPI has not reached the same level of adoption as SCORM (yet!), it continues to evolve and has the potential to significantly impact the future of learning technology. -
Launch of Google Classroom, streamlining digital assignment management and communication between teachers and students. -
Microsoft Teams integrates into education for collaborative learning, allowing seamless communication and teamwork. -
Gamification and learning games become mainstream. It enhances student motivation and engagement by making learning interactive and enjoyable. It promotes problem-solving and critical thinking, especially in STEM subjects through game-based learning. This approach leads to higher engagement, better information retention, and accommodates diverse learning styles. However, it is important to balance entertainment with educational value and address concerns regarding over-reliance on gamification. -
Pokemon Go demonstrates AR's educational potential bringing technology to a whole new world for education. -
Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer micro-credentials that support lifelong learning and career advancement. These certifications promote self-directed learning with modular, competency-based curricula tailored to workforce needs. They enhance accessibility and flexibility for working professionals but face challenges regarding quality, recognition, and the digital divide. -
Kahoot gains popularity, increasing engagement through gamification, making learning more interactive and enjoyable. -
Remote learning boom due to COVID-19, boosting platforms like Zoom. Educators shifted to digital-first models, combining synchronous and asynchronous methods for educational continuity. Curricula were adapted for online delivery, focusing on digital literacy and self-directed learning. This transition offered greater flexibility and normalized remote learning but highlighted ongoing challenges like digital equity and unequal access to technology and internet connectivity. -
The period from 2020 onwards has been characterized by rapid advancements in educational technology, driven by the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI), immersive technologies, and personalized learning tools. However, challenges such as digital divides, ethical concerns, and implementation costs highlight the need for thoughtful integration and support.
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Virtual reality enters mainstream education. -
Web3 and blockchain begin influencing educational credentials. -
AR and VR have transformed abstract concepts into tangible experiences, improving understanding and retention. They facilitate virtual field trips and hands-on learning, leading to more engaging and immersive educational opportunities, especially in science and history. However, challenges such as high equipment costs and the need for technical expertise remain barriers to widespread adoption. -
VR labs simulated science experiments, eliminating physical resource constraints. -
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT transform content creation and tutoring. AI improves education through real-time feedback, personalized learning, and performance insights, enabling teachers to concentrate on mentoring. Curricula are adapting to individual needs, enhancing learning outcomes, reducing teacher workloads, and promoting student autonomy. However, ethical issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the need for teacher training in AI tools must be addressed.